❄️ These Columbus Winter Hikes Feel Totally Magical

Plus: 🚨 ICE Presence In Columbus Confirmed. Here's What You Need To Know

Author

Chelsea Wiley
December 19, 2025

Sponsored by Columbus Children’s Theatre 🎄
Kick off the holidays with a magical twist on A Christmas Carol! In this fast-paced, 60-minute musical, Ebenezer Scrooge gets a visit from three spirited ghosts who help him rediscover the joy of giving, friendship, and festive fun. Packed with catchy songs, colorful characters, and plenty of holiday cheer, it’s the perfect show for families with kids ages 4–12, and a beloved CCT tradition. Make Mr. Scrooge part of your holiday season! Get your tickets here!

Hello, Friday! Chelsea here.

Can you feel it? The year is winding down, my friends. Today, we’re sharing five of our favorite winter hikes around Columbus, perfect for soaking up fresh air, enjoying sparkling landscapes, and maybe even spotting a little wildlife. Whether snow blankets the trails or the sun sets just right over frozen fields, these hikes are a reminder that the great outdoors has its own kind of holiday magic. As we wrap up our last regular newsletter of 2025, we’re so grateful to have spent the year exploring, sharing, and connecting with all of you. And don’t worry—you’ll still hear from us tomorrow with our final Holiday Newsletter of the season, just in time to send 2025 off in style!

🚨 Columbus Officials Confirm ICE Presence And Reaffirm City Policy On Immigration Enforcement
ICE activity has been confirmed in Columbus, prompting concern across the city and a response from local leaders. Here is what officials are saying and where residents can find verified information and support.

💕 A New Ranking Reveals The Central Ohio City Most Likely To Star In A Hallmark Movie
A new study ranked more than 3,000 towns to find the most Hallmark-like city in each state. Ohio’s winner is right here in Central Ohio, with Westerville, Sandusky, and Mansfield close behind.

Headlines 📰 

👨‍💼 An Ohio attorney breaks down what to do if ICE shows up, from carrying your documents and “red cards” to knowing your rights as a bystander or employer. Small steps can make a big difference in staying safe and informed. (Columbus Monthly)

🖼️ Columbus artist Kirsta Niemie Benedetti’s new exhibition at 934 Gallery centers incarcerated women as they want to be seen, replacing prison uniforms with deeply personal symbols of growth, healing, and self-worth. The result is a powerful, tender reminder that dignity, beauty, and transformation belong to everyone. (Matter News)

🦌 Did you know Ohio was once home to reindeer, aka caribou? During the last Ice Age, these antlered travelers roamed as far south as Ohio and Tennessee, leaving behind fascinating fossil evidence that still pops up in local collections today. (Ohio History)

🌨️ Weather: 28 with scattered snow showers

Sponsored by North Market 🍴
North Market is calling your name! Whether you're exploring the original downtown location for its classic market charm or the Bridge Park spot in Dublin for a modern twist, there's no better place to eat, shop, and discover the best of Columbus. For more info, head over to northmarket.org.

Coming Up 📆

🎵 12/19: Silly Goose
🩰 12/19-12/21: The Nutcracker
🎭 12/19-12/21: SIX: The Musical
🎭 12/19-12/21: The Wiz
🎭 12/19-12/23: Mr. Scrooge
🎻 12/20: Santa & the Symphony - Sensory Friendly Series
🎵 12/20-12/21: Holiday Spectacular
🎓 12/21: OSU Winter Commencement
🩰 12/23: My First Nutcracker
🎸 12/23: Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Today's Photo 🤳

Instagram Post

☀️ If you’re heading out today, don’t forget to pop some sunscreen on. It’s going to be a doozy out there!

Want your photo to be featured? Use #columbusnavigator or tag us!

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- Chelsea